Tensions Rise as Ndume Calls Bwala a “Maga Dog” and Warns Tinubu to Secure Buhari’s Support

By: Henry Ojo 

The political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as Borno South Senator Ali Ndume launched a fiery attack on presidential aide Daniel Bwala, describing him as a “maga dog”—a street slang used to refer to untrustworthy individuals who betray their benefactors. The insult came during a televised interview, where Ndume also advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of losing the backing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The senator, speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, made his position clear, stating that Bwala lacks electoral significance and poses no threat to his political standing. “Bwala cannot win the House of Assembly. He tried to be a senator; did he get anywhere? Bwala is a maga dog,” Ndume said, brushing aside Bwala’s political relevance.

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“Maga Dog” Politics and the Shadow of Buhari’s Influence

The tension escalates amid reports that Bwala accused Ndume of holding secret meetings with opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections. Bwala, however, denied having any ambition to run for the Borno South seat, but did not hold back in criticizing Ndume’s performance. He alleged the senator has failed to deliver on his promises after over two decades in office, and also accused Ndume’s supporters of threatening critics with violence.

While the verbal war between the two politicians has captured public attention, Ndume’s warning to President Tinubu about former President Buhari’s influence is generating deeper political concern. According to Ndume, although Buhari’s popularity may have waned slightly since leaving office, he remains a towering figure among the masses—particularly the Talakawas (the common people) in Northern Nigeria.

“The followership of Buhari has been occultic. You cannot explain it,” Ndume said, adding that Tinubu should be concerned if Buhari isn’t on his side politically. “Every number counts, and Buhari has one vote. Tinubu should also be worried about my position—I have one vote for him. He does not have a vote for me.”

Ndume’s comments come just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar visited Buhari in Kaduna, joined by other opposition heavyweights. The visit has stirred speculation about potential realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also raising alarms within the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the possible defection of members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc—a founding faction of the APC led by Buhari. Reports suggest APC governors recently met with Buhari to urge him to help stabilize the party and prevent further defections. High-profile exits, such as that of former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), have only deepened concerns.

If Buhari backs the CPC bloc’s departure, the APC could face a serious blow in the North, a region critical to winning national elections. Ndume’s statements underscore just how fragile the internal balance within the ruling party has become.

As Nigeria slowly inches toward the 2027 general elections, the complex interplay between loyalty, legacy, and political ambition is once again shaping the narrative. And at the heart of it all lies a deepening divide that could redefine the future of both Borno State politics and national party dynamics.